Greek inscription discovered among Byzantine monastery ruins in Israel

·

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a mosaic with the ancient Greek phrase, “Blessed are you when you come in and blessed are you when you go out,” in Kiryat Gat, in the southern part of the country.

According to an article of Eleni Sampani in ekathimerini.com, the inscription, dating to the 5th or 6th century CE, was found in the remains of a Byzantine monastery. Mark Avrahami, head of the conservation team, described the mosaic as one of the rarest ever discovered in Israel. It will soon be preserved and displayed to the public.

The mosaic floor includes the Biblical phrase alongside intricate depictions of lions, doves, geometric patterns, flowers, crosses, and a ceramic vessel.

The discovery was made during construction for a new neighborhood. Archaeologists believe the monastery was built on an earlier Roman settlement. Excavations revealed at least ten additional structures, including a winepress, storage facilities, and a large ceramics workshop.

Artifacts unearthed at the site include Gaza amphorae—used to transport wine or olive oil across the Mediterranean—small glass vessels, and a rare ceramic amphora with a human face. Experts highlight the strategic location of the Roman settlement, emphasizing its historical significance in the region.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

South Australia launches its first multicultural charter

South Australia’s vibrant and culturally diverse society is being recognised with the launch of the first South Australian Multicultural Charter.

Coroners Court to hold month-long inquest into deaths at St Basil’s Fawkner

Aspects of the treatment of aged care residents at St Basil's Fawkner were laid bare for the first time in the Coroners Court on Wednesday.

Greece’s PM stresses need for realistic approach in Greek-Turkish relations

During a speech on Wednesday, March 20, Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of fostering closer ties between Greece and Turkey.